When Apple launched a software update at the beginning of November that included new hearing aid features for AirPods Pro 2, Rithwik Jayasimha rushed to buy a pair for his grandmother. Unfortunately, upon opening the package at home, he discovered that the feature was absent—India was not included in the list of countries supporting the new capability. Frustrated, Jayasimha, along with two friends, Arnav Bansal and Rithvik Vibhu, decided to find a way to unlock the feature.
Understanding that Apple uses geographic restrictions, the trio devised a hack by creating a rudimentary Faraday cage. This homemade device, made out of a microwave lined with aluminum foil, allowed them to block signals that would reveal their actual location. They aimed to enable the hearing aid function on the AirPods without the geographical constraints imposed by Apple.
After several attempts that involved altering their iPad’s region and masking its IP address, they discovered that just changing these settings wasn’t enough. They needed to block external signals entirely, so they crafted a stronger Faraday cage to isolate the device. By effectively jamming the signals with a microwave (which operates on a similar wavelength as Wi-Fi), they masked the iPad’s location and tricked the system into recognizing that it was in California. This clever workaround enabled the AirPods to work as hearing aids in India.
The group’s enthusiasm quickly gained traction, with numerous inquiries from others who were also eager to utilize the features available in other countries. They noted that the hack could be replicated on other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
As they explored the technical aspects of Apple’s geolocation systems, they found that the operating system utilized various identifiers, such as time zones, Apple Store region settings, and SSIDs from nearby networks, to determine a device’s location. Once aware of these variables, they realized that creating a secure environment around their iPad was the key to success.
In sharing their method, the students hope to support those in India facing barriers to accessing the hearing aid features. While they expect Apple may eventually roll out the feature in their country, they plan to assist people in the meantime, including their own grandmothers, who have seen improvements in their day-to-day lives thanks to the AirPods.
The trio’s ingenuity showcases how individuals with technical knowledge can navigate restrictions imposed by large tech companies, hinting at a broader discussion on digital access and regulatory practices.
